As many as 2,603 villages across 167 blocks in Odisha remain without mobile network connectivity, while 10 panchayats lack broadband services, Electronics & Information Technology Minister Mukesh Mahaling informed the state assembly on Monday.

Among the worst-affected districts, Kandhamal tops the list with 375 villages lacking mobile network coverage, followed by Rayagada (274), Gajapati (241), Koraput (223), Malkangiri (216), Kalahandi (203), and Nayagarh (184).

The minister provided the details while responding to a query raised by BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo in the House. The lack of connectivity in these remote areas has been a long-standing challenge, affecting education, healthcare, and emergency communication.

Efforts are being made to expand mobile and internet infrastructure in these regions under various government initiatives, but challenges such as difficult terrain and lack of power supply continue to hinder progress.